HSE urges people to get Covid-19 vaccine this winter amid 'disappointingly low' uptake

The HSE is urging people to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu amid what they call a "disappointingly low" uptake. 

The call comes due to concern over a potential rise in winter viruses, with Director of National Health Protection of the HSE, Dr Éamonn O'Moore, stating the low uptake may have "a serious impact" on public health in the coming months. 

He said, "We are concerned that the uptake of the vaccines so far remains low, and that this may have a serious impact on public health in the coming weeks and months. There is no room for complacency at this point.

"Our hospitals are already feeling pressure from a significant level of RSV, particularly our paediatric services. The winter in the southern hemisphere saw very high levels of flu, and this adds to the concern about our own winter. We are already seeing early signs that flu levels are rising and we expect it to be reaching its peak from mid-December and into January." 

He continued: "Covid-19 levels are currently stable but we are seeing people seriously ill with COVID-19, including in our ICUs now, and around half of those have not received boosters in the last six months.

"There is still time for people to get their vaccines, it takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take effect so now is the time to act. We know the lower the vaccination uptake, the more people we will see in our hospitals, people who could otherwise be at home.

"We will see busier hospitals and increased pressure on services and staff. I am urging everyone eligible, including healthcare workers, to avail of the winter vaccines. We have reached a point where uptake needs to increase urgently to protect yourselves, and in doing so, your loved ones and our health service." 

The HSE National Immunisation Lead and Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Lucy Jessop, added: "We are moving into the start of the rise of flu and Covid season, with all our projections pointing towards a multipathogenic winter. A significant rise in respiratory illnesses over the coming weeks is expected.

"We are growing increasingly concerned by the disappointingly low vaccine uptake figures."

According to the doctor, only 1 in 10 people who are immunocompromised have had their vaccine.

She said, "Without it, they are much more vulnerable to serious illness from flu and Covid-19."

Uptake among heath and care workers is also reportedly lower than expected, which Dr Jessop called "alarming" due to their proximity to patients, many of whom will have the viruses. 

She said, "With this in mind we are urging everyone who is eligible, including older people, carers and vulnerable groups, to book their appointments for both the flu and Covid vaccines. They are available free of charge from participating GPs and Pharmacies; and HCWs can also get their vaccines at workplace clinics.

"The vaccines offer the best protection against these viruses this winter.” 

According to the HSE, only 11.5% of HSE employed HCWs (health and care workers) have availed of the Covid-19 autumn booster vaccine, and 24.3% have had the flu vaccine as of November 1, 2023. 

Forty nine percent of people aged 70 and 18% of those aged 50-69 have had the autumn booster up to November 12. 

Just 10% of immunocompromised people have had their Covid-19 vaccine this winter, while 9.5% of eligible children aged 2-12 years and 18% of those aged 50-64 years who are eligible have had their annual flu vaccine. 

However, the majority of people aged 65 and older (59%) got their flu vaccine this year. 

A Covid-19 vaccine is now recommended for everyone aged 50 years and over, everyone over 5 living with a long term health condition, those who are immunocompromised, and all healthcare workers. 

For eligible people, an interval of at least 3 months since Covid-19 infection or your last Covid-19 vaccine is recommended before people receive their autumn/winter Covid-19 vaccine. 

The flu vaccine is available free of charge to everyone aged 65 and older as well as all living with long term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and who may be immunocompromised, along with health and care workers. 

Both vaccines can be given at the same time.

The children’s flu vaccine is also available free of charge to all children aged 2-12. 

People aged 65 and over and people aged 2 to 64 years in an at-risk group should also check with their GP if they should receive a pneumococcal vaccine this winter. It can be given at the same time as the flu or Covid-19 vaccine.

If anyone needs to check when they had their last vaccine or needs assistance in booking a vaccination appointments please call HSELive on 1800 700 700.